TNT 3×3 motivated by Coach Mau Belen’s dedication to the game

Gender barriers?

There’s no such thing over at TNT.

While most male hoopers would find it awkward to be coached by a female, the Tropang Giga 3×3 have no problems with Mau Belen.

In fact, they’re all praises for her work.

“So far, so good. Sobrang okay siya ngayon sa’min,” offered floor general Almond Vosotros. “As in, sobrang nakatutok siya sa’min.”

“Coach Mau is a very, very good coach,” seconded Lervin Flores.

Belen blazed a trail for other Filipina coaches when she became the first woman to crack a PBA coaching staff after joining TNT earlier this year.

Primarily a video coordinator who also helps out in scouting and stats, the 29-year-old now has the task of calling the shots for the Tropa in the PBA 3×3.

The young cagers admitted that this is actually their very first time being mentored by a woman. But they all admire her style of coaching.

Photo by PBA Images

“Okay talaga si Coach Mau kasi talagang nagii-scout siya ng plays [para sa] ikabubuti ng team,” said Samboy De Leon. “So far, so good talaga.”

“Hindi siya ganun na sobrang higpit sa laruan, pero napakagaling din talaga magturo sa amin,” added Flores.

“Tinututukan niya kami.”

What Flores really likes about Belen and her teaching methods is how she effectively imparts lessons through a more nurturing approach.

“Sa’kin, iba ‘yung pressure ng lalaki sa babae. Pero ‘yung sa babae parang ‘di ka nape-pressure. Pero sa court, nagagawa mo ‘yung gusto mo.

“‘Yung gusto niyang ituro, hindi mo kailangan ma-pressure pero nakukuha mo,” said the 6-foot-5 bruiser out of Arellano University.

Vosotros, for his part, adores the dedication their coach has shown in proving that she deserves to be part of the esteemed organization.

“Alam ko na first time niya rin ma-assign sa pro, sa PBA.

“Kaya nakikita namin ‘yung dedication niya – kung papaano niya kami turuan, kung papano niya kami i-push sa practice,” the La Salle product said.

TNT 3×3 is in the thick of its preparations for the meet, although it still awaits Jeremiah Gray to complete the quartet. Gray is still in quarantine.

The league opens shop on Saturday.